Canada

Université du Québec à Chicoutimi

L'Ecole de Langue Francaise et de Culture Quebecoise of the Universite du Quebec a Chicoutimi (UQAC) is located in the heart of the Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean area which is renowned for its spectacular fjords, varied agricultural and forest landscapes and its interior sea, Lac-St-Jean. Chicoutimi offers museums, restaurants, boutiques, and art galleries along with the varied natural attractions.

Since its establishment in Chicoutimi in 1969, UQAC has served the 150,000 mostly French-speaking population of its area by offering over 80 degree and diploma programs to its 7,000 students. UQAC offers a personalized language experience through its analysis of individual student language needs, variety of communication based French language courses, supportive atmosphere, caring, accessible instructors and lively "animateurs" specializing in typical quebecois culture, sports, dance and music.

Academic Program Highlights

The Semester Immersion Program offers French language study from introductory to advanced levels. Courses at each level analyze the French language from the perspective of syntax, phonetics, and commutative competence. In addition, courses such as Language and Civilization and Quebec Culture are also offered, and give an understanding of the cultural context of language.

The program is offered in seven, eight and fifteen week sessions during the years, and students earn 6-15 credits (depending on the length of session); there are 15 hours of classroom instruction per week. The French and Snow Program combines the study of French with the practice of winter sports. In class, the emphasis is placed on conversational French. For this three-week program, students earn 4 credits.

Both programs are complemented by a wide range of socio-cultural workshops, guided outdoor recreation, excursions to Quebec City and the beautiful Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean region. The minimum age for participation in these programs is 18 years of age.

Student Life

Students have the choice of living with French-Speaking families or in dormitories during the immersion program. French and Snow participants are always placed with a family. If living in a homestay situation, morning and evening meals are shared with the family, while lunch is served at the university's cafeteria. There is a wide range of cultural, social, tourist and sporting activities available in and around Chicoutimi, including theater, folk dance, singing groups, and nature exploration.